The place is called Bylekuppe and it is currently home to over 5000 monks.
We came to see the Golden Temple (an incredibly beautiful building with three enormous golden Buddhas). Here's a shot of one:
When we got here late last night, though, we learned that foreigners need a special permit to come here (hmmmmm interesting...) and that any foreigner found without a permit faces five years in jail and a large fine (never been to an Indian jail before...). The locals told us that the cops purposely hang out around the temple to bust foreigners.
Dan and I actually had a conversation that went something like this:
So, if a cop finds us, how much do you think is an appropriate bribe? Five dollars? Ten? Do you think they would let us make a stop at an ATM?
If we did get sent to jail who could we call with connections? (you'll have to guess if you made the list)
I convinced Dan to stay since I think the likelihood of jail time for Americans visiting a monastery is slim....it would just be bad PR. I mean, it's not like we're smuggling crack...we're hanging with holy men.
Last night we watched monks "debate." I know several of you reading are Tibetan Buddhists, so perhaps you can explain what was going on to the rest of us. There were about a thousand robed monks in the courtyard of the temple in pairs. In each pair the "debater" yelled, stamped his feet and clapped his hands at the other guy. The whole thing was fascinatingly bizarre. And then all at once, they all stopped and lined up to eat.
Here's a monk in an awesome hat!
We're leaving tomorrow, and we're keeping a low profile until then. The people here have been very nice at advising us when it's safe to go out and when we should just hang out at the Monastery.
So while we are avoiding the "po-po", here are some more pictures from Mysore:
Flowers for sale at the market
The colored dyes
5 comments:
You keep amazing me...I loved the photo of the monk...did you know that the head piece he is wearing is very similar to a traditional Hawaiian piece called a Mahiole.
Living vicariously...Diane
What amazing photos! I was just on the phone with Bob T. who wondered where you were so I looked you up. I took a look at the beginning of you blog and told him Tibet. Oops ... Keep up the postings, and take care -
Leigh
are you sure that's not a picture of king kamehameha?
Great pics! You are blending well.Not sure we will do as well but we'll try!Where did you stay while visiting the monks?Will send e-mail regarding plans ASAP.
M&D
Blending in with the Monks....way to go Deb! Well...just to let you know that dad & I have not spent everyday on the beach (Kailua is still my favorite) we went on the road to Hana..and unlike the other parental units...we made it the whole way...granted we didn't stop along the way.
What can I say about Hana....good ice cream...and I got sick on the ride back(not from the ice cream!)....it's the beach for us the rest of the week!
We did wake up to a flat tire yesterday...that was our excitement for the day...good old Hertz...had the tire fixed and a new car within an hour...off to the beach!
PLEASE...stay safe ..and out of trouble...love you....Mom
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